Skate spot becomes fitting home for Joseph Loughborough’s final exhibition
The late Portsmouth artist Joseph Loughborough has had his work showcased at The Windbreaks outdoor gallery on Southsea seafront.
The popular promenade gallery, located beside the skate area known as The Red, forms part of Portsmouth City Council’s seafront arts programme and offers local artists temporary exhibition space.
Joseph, a well-known painter and devoted skateboarder, died earlier this year aged 44. His family say the location of the exhibition, next to the place he spent so much time skating, carries particular significance.
His partner, Audrey Nicolau-Borde-Bergeret, said: “Exhibiting Joe’s work on the seafront feels beautifully fitting, especially with The Windbreaks beside The Red, where he and his friends whiled away their hours skating – a place he carried in his heart.
“To see his love for the coastline, and the warmth and spirit he poured into his art, returning to the shore that shaped him, is profoundly moving, and I am endlessly grateful.”
Council leader Cllr Steve Pitt said: “Seeing this exhibition of Joseph’s work is very emotional, particularly for his family who have given their blessings to his work being shown after losing him at a young age this year.
“I hope the local community, and particularly the skateboarding community, will take the time to come and view the work of this truly talented artist.
“It’s public exhibition spaces such as The Windbreaks that allow us all to appreciate and enjoy the talent of the Portsmouth art community.”
Joseph spent his early years exploring Portsmouth’s derelict boatyards and creeks before studying at Portsmouth University. He later pursued interests in art, philosophy and skateboarding culture.
More on his work can be found on the artist’s website: https://www.josephloughborough.co.uk/
Applications for the next round of The Windbreaks are open at www.hotwallsstudios.co.uk/thewindbreaks.